Lauryn Akey, 21, a student at the University of South Florida, sent a heartbreaking text to her family shortly before tragedy struck and she was killed by a drunk driver.
Lauryn was reportedly driving home from a friend’s wedding in Charlotte County, Florida, on May 17 when the fatal crash happened, according to an arrest affidavit reviewed by Law & Crime. She had just stopped for gas when Dennis Olson, 53, crashed into her Honda CR-V. Authorities said Olson was driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.222 – nearly three times the legal limit.
According to the affidavit, Olson was driving a Ford F-150 southbound in the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 when he slammed into Lauryn’s vehicle. The impact reportedly ejected her from the car, and she died at the scene.
Said he was having a “bad night”
The New York Post later reported that Olson allegedly told authorities he had been having a “bad night.”
A witness claimed Olson appeared intoxicated and was slurring his words as people helped him out of the truck. Olson, however, allegedly told authorities he had only consumed one glass of wine before the crash.
According to the arrest affidavit, Olson had also sideswiped another vehicle shortly before the deadly collision, injuring a woman and two children. One of the children reportedly required surgery.
Olson is now facing multiple charges, including vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. According to FOX13 News, he is currently being held without bond in Charlotte County. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 15.
Texted her family right before she was killed
Just moments before the crash, shortly after filling up her car with gas, Lauryn sent her family a heartbreaking text message telling them she loved them and would be home soon.
According to the New York Post, the 21-year-old dreamed of becoming a nurse.
“She would have done amazing things. Her life was just on the horizon; her life was just getting started with her boyfriend,” her mother, Melinda Mucho, told FOX13 News.
“She was going to graduate next year, and I want everyone to see her and feel that.”
Her boyfriend, Garrett Day, also shared an emotional tribute on social media alongside videos of Lauryn.
“She belonged where the water meets the sky. With her pink fishing pole, boat days, music, salty air, sunsets and the people she loved most. A drunk driver took her from us far too soon. So if you take anything from this video – don’t drink and drive…please! Fish on, baby girl. We’ll find you in every sunset on the water,” he wrote.
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